Fake it till you make it + starting over

I don’t think I have, and it’s one that has been on my heart a lot lately.

It’s a time in my life not too different than the season I find myself in right now, full of change, uncertainty
and a little bit of fear.

My daughter and I left our hometown 17 years ago and moved to a different part of the state, where we have lived since. A friend was starting a business, and I needed a job.

I had an old station wagon (accurately dubbed the “hooptie”) which was packed to the gills with our clothes, books, a fuzzy orange bean bag and most of our Earthly possessions.

We had $200 and we were going to make it, somehow.

The first few months were the hardest, as each new challenge came I watched God provide solutions that required a lot of elbow grease and faith. But He was faithful, and one night revealed His mercies in a whole new way to me.

I was watching a sermon in my teeny apartment, given by a pastor I had enjoyed, and continue to enjoy listening to, Creflo Dollar. It was late, and the rabbit ears were extended to the highest and most unusual angle possible in order to get reception on the ground floor apartment.

I sat down on my couch, yep, I had a couch now too, not just a bean bag! Expecting to hear something encouraging, uplifting, and help me continue as we struggled to make ends meet and keep food on the table. What the pastor shared that night was something I will never forget.

He looked at his congregation, and said “Sometimes you gotta fake it till you make it.”

When you are waiting for an answer, praying for healing, working hard and pouring every ounce of energy you have into your dream, you gotta put on your faith and PUSH.

Push forward, and press on. Because during these times you feel the most resistance is when you are closer to your breakthrough. Pastor Dollar went on to describe a woman going to the store with the few dollars she had, buying a nice dress, some shoes, and stopping by the costume jewelry rack on her way to the check stand. She loaded up on a few big pieces of cubic zirconia, knowing and fully believing that her hard work would pay off. And someday her dress and shoes would be replaced with the blessings He intended for her in due time. So she worked that dress and shoes and put on that cubic zirconia and went out into the world and got it done.

With a ton of hard work, faith, a few sleepless nights, and a whole lot of prayer, she made it.

And the sketchy apartments were replaced by a little house.

And the hooptie was replaced by a reliable car.

Time passed, and her health was eventually restored.

She lost weight and that old dress didn’t fit anymore.

She kept her cubic zirconia because she’s thrifty and it’s as real to her as any diamond could be.

And it’s a symbol of tenacity, and perseverance, and fighting the fight of faith when it looks like failure is a very real possibility.

But so is success. And putting on the dress, shoes and bling of believing in God, believing in the power of our dreams, and co-laboring with Christ became very real in those moments in that little apartment.

And they have more than a few times since. I find myself pulling on that old dress today, and wearing the shoes of hope, and donning the cubic zirconia with as much faith as this tired mama can muster.

Because we are in a different season now, but it’s a challenge all the same. And while I am uncertain of what lies in front of me, I do remember what my battle gear looks like. And who my Redeemer is.

Friend, I don’t know your struggle, but I know what it’s like to struggle, and be afraid.

To be flat broke and dig for change, and to make a gallon of milk or pound of meat stretch till it’s screaming for mercy! You are not alone.

You got a sister next to you, yep that’s me. I got my Kmart dress on, and I’m in this thing too.

I get you, I know you have a dream, and maybe no one believes it can happen.

Maybe you just got dealt a real crap sandwich and you cannot see past it to anything better.

I am here to tell you, that He’s got this. Get out of bed, and put on your battle gear.

We are gonna fake it till we make it today together. We aren’t in denial, we aren’t being fake, we are simply forging ahead in faith, believing that our Creator wants to bless us. And good times are ahead.

This battle produces character, perseverance, and determination. You can’t buy those, and you can’t give them to someone. Those are earned in the hard spots when you want to give up.

Don’t lose hope, don’t lose sight of the goal, you will receive the greatest push back the closer you get to your next break through.

Press on sister, I believe in you. And I cannot wait to see what is to come!

Today is going to be awesome, not because of our circumstances but because we are deciding it’s going to be.

Ain’t nobody can take my faith, and my attitude can only be changed if I let it.

Those blessings have my name on them, and yours too. Can you see it?

I can too. Barely, but it’s there. And I don’t know about you but I am forging on. That is my blessing and my deliverance and I am going to push through until I see it.

Don’t give up, please don’t give up. Whatever it is that you are facing, you are not alone friend. I know your hurts, and hopes, and I know the Giver of dreams loves us so.

In case you were wondering, that is a printable that will print out as an 8″ x 10″ if you open it and save it.

The iron is hot and I need to go get the creases out of my old dress, it’s going to be a good day, and I have my eyes fixed on success today.

What are you battling right now friend?

I am praying for every good thing for you, every blessing, healing, restoration and deliverance into your life, God bless you and your fight. Keep at it mama-

Comments

Sounds you are ready for whatever challenges come your way! I understand completely where you are coming from with this post and you’ve touched my heart today. And, yes, somehow we always make it past what we are dealing with. And, even in the midst of some of our most difficult struggles, we are still blessed with so many things if we can only open our hearts to the family and friends and faith surrounding us. It’s important to remember we are never really alone and that, in itself, makes everything more bearable. 🙂

We can’t forget out tribe can we? You are right on, and I so agree, all things are easier to bear when we share them with the people around us. Thank you so much for visiting and your sweet message friend- xoxo

I don’t usually comment on the blogs I get, but your message today really touched my heart. I’m am blessed in so many ways, family, good friends, and people like you that I have never met but encourage me to think not just about myself but others as well.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your creative inspiration and sharing YOU with all of us.

You gave me goosebumps and made me grin this morning as I chug the rest of my coffee and read messages.
I hear you, and you are really such a blessing to me, thank you SO much for taking the time to stop and write.
We are in this together aren’t we?

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Welcome to twelveOeight! I'm Tanya and I am so glad your're here. If you are ready to start loving the home you have now, then join me on my mission. One thrifty project at a time we can make our today homes our dream homes.

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Thank you so much for reading, and as always, may your heart and home be full of everything you love!
xo, Tanya
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